All the Way to the Top, Baby!

I'm not the type of person who likes to exercise. In fact, if it isn't dancing, or taking a slow 30 minute walk on my lunch break, you usually won't catch me doing it. Why? It has just never been appealing to me...that is until my brother's friend, Kelly (who I happen to admire a great deal), mentioned that she and a few of her lady friends go hiking every weekend. She invited me along. I asked her whether they are "professional hikers" because I didn't want to get out there and embarrass myself, and she assured me I would be just fine. I was finally able to hook up with them yesterday, and let me tell you...it was amazing!

When I first got to the hiking location, I felt VERY overwhelmed. I saw quite a few people walking to the top of a hill that looked like Mount Everest to me. I texted my best friend and my hubby that I didn't think I would be able to do it. I DEFINITELY wanted to quit before I started. I hoped and prayed that Kelly and her crew didn't plan to go ALL the way to the top. The sight of hill tired me out! I had almost finished my entire bottle of water before we even got started.

The ladies were awesome. They had all hiked before, but they were encouraging and told me that the hike--up to the tip top of the hill and back down--would only take about an hour. They assured me that I could do it.

25 minutes later, with aching legs, a pumping heart, and a sweat drenched shirt, I was at the top--overlooking the city of Los Angeles...feeling GREAT! It was exhilarating. The ladies talked and laughed their way up the hill. I was fairly quiet--just trying to breathe!

When they got to the top, an energetic Kelly said, "Ok ladies...down and back up or halfway down and back up?" I thought I was going to pass out. There is NO WAY she just asked that question, I thought. Heck, my only hope was that I would be able to get down the hill and then back to my car. On that note, I bid the ladies farewell. One showed me the "proper" way for a beginner to get down the hill. And then I was on my way.

Heading down, I passed many people and all of them were breathing just as heavily as I was (which made me feel good). I couldn't help but wonder why people would torture themselves this way...and yet I already knew that I would be back again soon. One guy saw the desperation in my eye and told me to be strong. "Only five more steps," he said...There were more like 25 more steps. I couldn't give him my usual friendly response, but I managed to smile.

When I hit the bottom of the hill I didn't look back. I high stepped to the car with the biggest grin on my face. I was VERY proud of myself. I did it...and I can't wait to do it again.

Thanks for the invite, Kelly! :)